Sevenoaks Town Council is partnering with Sevenoaks Climate Action Network (SCAN) to provide a Library of Things at Bat & Ball Community Centre. The scheme will allow local people to borrow household items and equipment readily and inexpensively.
Sevenoaks Town Council has awarded SCAN £4,000 in grant funding and space at the Bat & Ball Centre free of charge for SCAN’s pilot project, which aligns with the Town Council’s Green Community Investment Plan. The grant funding will go towards purchasing a core set of items for borrowing and PAT testing equipment.
Councillor Claire Shea, Leader of Sevenoaks Town Council, said, “We have a long-held ambition to deliver a Library of Things in Sevenoaks. The work done by Sevenoaks Climate Action Network to build their own platform is remarkable. We are delighted to be able to partner with them by having the Library of Things at the Bat & Ball Centre.”
At the SCAN Climate Fair, held at The Vine earlier this year, visitors were asked to vote for the project they would most like to see come to fruition; a Library of Things was the most popular, demonstrating a keen interest from the local community.
Graham Tyler and Jenny Packer, who are co-developers of this project within SCAN, said, “Across Sevenoaks, many households own tools and equipment that are used only occasionally. A drill may be needed for a single DIY project, a pressure washer for a few days each year, or gardening equipment for occasional seasonal work. Alongside the financial impact, unnecessary purchasing contributes to waste, increased consumption of materials and energy, and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing, transport and disposal.
“The Sevenoaks Library of Things will provide a simple way for local residents to borrow useful tools, equipment and household items when needed, rather than purchasing them outright.”
Sevenoaks Library of Things is due to open in early 2027. Ahead of the launch, SCAN is asking the community what items might be needed locally. You can complete their short questionnaire and find out more at www.sevenoakscan.org.uk/lot
